Trump Promises To Announce VP Pick ‘Soon’—But Holds Off On Announcing Presidential Bid
ForbesDec 23, 2022
Trump Warns DeSantis Against 2024 Presidential Bid
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Image copyright: The Washington Post/Getty Images [via Fox News]
The Facts
Speaking to Fox News, former US Pres. Donald Trump warned Ron DeSantis against running for president in 2024 just hours before the incumbent Florida governor secured his placement in a landslide victory in the US midterms on Tuesday.
Despite Trump, a Florida resident, voting for DeSantis, the former president claimed that he would reveal things about DeSantis that "won't be very flattering" and that if they ran against each other, he would "beat him like I would beat everyone else."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
In a cheap, albeit unsurprising move, Trump is attacking anyone who is a potential threat, even if it means turning on one of his own. His warning shots to DeSantis only further polarize him from his own party and show that he's becoming nervous over his potential 2024 candidacy rival. This self-sabotage could very well compromise the two leader's 2024 campaign trail, and lead to a blue wave.
Republican narrative
In a largely disappointing evening for Republicans, Trump's lack of success has made it crystal clear that the 45th president no longer holds favor within the GOP. Although not a total bust, many now see DeSantis as the new de facto Republican leader as they look to reassess toward 2024.
Pro-Trump narrative
The narrative that DeSantis now leads the Republican Party is nonsense. While the Florida governor would be a good potential presidential candidate, Trump still stands tall, and his support has only grown.
